Happy birthday, Max! Joyeux anniversaire, Max!You continue to light up our lives. You make us laugh, think, and sometimes cry. You are our family man, best hugger, peacemaker and you always get me with your shenanigans and verbal pranks. On est fan de toi, Mr. Son. And tonight we can’t wait to celebrate! Happy 30th! love, “Mr. Mom” Continue reading Joyeux Anniversaire, Max!
Family time in La Ciotat: Nephew Payne, girlfriend Maddi, Jackie, Ana, Max, my sister Heidi and my niece Reagan. Don’t miss today’s story! MERCI!A heartfelt merci to those who have ordered a copy of A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE! Four weeks after publishing, over 500 books have found their way into readers’ hands. If you haven’t yet picked up a copy, please know that … Continue reading Par Avion: A Creative Solution to Postal Fees in France
I’m sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by packing tape, cardboard, and a giant felt-tip marker. A lingering boycott has led readers to ask if they can buy directly from me. I’m not exactly equipped for this change of plans, but thankfully, Jackie had a stack of large manila envelopes—so now I’m back in business! Outside my window, a light rain comes and goes, slowly … Continue reading Rainy Day
I once thought giving up alcohol would make dining out less enjoyable—how could I savor a meal without a glass of wine? But with so many delicious things to eat and to see, I don’t miss drinking. Just look at this charming pup and the inviting French menu. Life is full and vibrant on the other side. More in today’s story! TODAY’S WORD: LE TÉMOIGNAGE … Continue reading Temoignage: Why I don’t drink alcohol in France (or anywhere)
The world feels upside down when posting a giant ice cream cone in France while California faces devastating fires. Today’s story, written before reading the news, is shared with the hope of offering comfort. Life can feel completely out of our control, but we can keep faith and continue giving—however we’re led to give. TODAY’S WORD: Doux rêves : sweet dreams (noun) The … Continue reading Doux Rêves: On Giving & Letting Go
TODAY'S WORD: LA RECONNAISSANCE : acknowledgment, gratefulness A YEAR IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse And just like that, 2024 has come to an end. As they say here in Provence, Bon bout d’an!—happy end of the year. How quickly the months have gone by. Like the gentle breeze sweeping the neighborhood leaves across the seafront, le temps vole! But to where, … Continue reading Adieu 2024: A Year of Lessons and Unexpected Blessings
Bonjour les Amis et les Amies! I'm back from a wonderful meet-up with my father and sisters. While this column will resume in one week, I wanted to check in briefly and see how everyone is doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the hurricane in Florida and beyond. Please stay safe. In moments like these, we often feel a mixture of … Continue reading Return from Vacation & Dépaysement
Enjoy today's story about my appointment at the neighborhood salon as I get ready for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise with my dad and my two sisters. Leaving for a mini family reunion soon…See you in a few weeks! TODAY’S WORD: RAPLAPLA : flat, lifeless; tired-looking A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse This fall, my dog and I are in a competition … Continue reading Raplapla & A Visit to The Hairdresser’s
Photo taken at Le Couvent des Minimes last spring, during a road trip with my best friend, Susan–alias Rouge-Bleu. Perhaps I was dreaming of this ethereal place when something suddenly jolted me awake… TODAY'S WORD: UNE NUIT BLANCHE : sleepless night; all-nighter A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The first week of fall had me tossing and turning like a … Continue reading Rally vs. Râler & The Wisdom of Une Nuit Blanche
Une cabane in La Ciotat Discover the earliest stories from this journal in Words in a French Life: Lessons in Love & Language in the South of France. It's the perfect read for anyone who loves heartwarming tales and French culture. Pick up a copy for yourself, or share the joy with a friend—and help us spread the love! TODAY'S WORD: À table! … Continue reading Entertaining Angels & French for “Time to eat!”
